Inhalation type drug dispenser

ABSTRACT

An inhalant medicator includes a medicator body  1  which is formed therein with a cylindrical fit hole  2 , an inhalant port  3 , an inflow air passageway  5 , and an outflow air passageway  6 , and a medical powder storage cylindrical member  8  which is installed or fitted into the cylindrical fit hole  2  in a manner so as to open or close the air passageways  5  and  6  with respect to a medical powder storage chamber  12 . The inhalant medicator is constructed by two component parts, namely the medicator body  1  and the medical powder storage cylindrical member  8 , thus ensuring simplified structure and reduced production costs. Additionally, powder-and-granular medicine or medical powder  16  is tightly encapsulated within the medical powder storage chamber  12  by means of the medical powder storage cylindrical member  8 , thus preventing loss of flow of the medical powder  16.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to an inhalant medicator suitable to prescribegranular or powdered medicines (medical powder) toward within lungs of apatient by way of breathing action of the patient.

BACKGROUND ART

Generally, there are two medications of prescribing a medicine towardwithin lungs of an asthmatic patient, that is, one being a medicationthat a medicine is inhaled by way of a liquid aerosol atomizer, and theother being an inhalation treatment that granular or powdered medicines(which will be hereinafter referred to as “medical powder”) encapsulatedin a capsule are inhaled.

Of these medications for an asthmatic patient, an inhalant medicatorused for an inhalation treatment where encapsulated medical powder isinhaled, has been disclosed in Japanese Patent Provisional PublicationNo. 7-313599.

The inhalant medicator as disclosed in the above Japanese PatentProvisional Publication is generally comprised of a medicator bodyequipped at one axial end with a capsule housing hole and at the otheraxial end with an inhalant port, an inflow air passageway formed in themedicator body for flowing air into the capsule housing hole, an outflowair passageway formed in the medicator body for flowing medical powderstored in the capsule of the capsule housing hole together with airflown through the inflow air passageway into the inhalant port, pininsertion holes located at both sides of the capsule housing hole in theaxial directions of the capsule housing hole and bored in the medicatorbody in such a manner as to extend in a radial direction of themedicator body for communicating each of the inflow and outflow airpassageways, and a boring tool having pins insertable toward the capsulethrough the respective pin insertion holes for breaking through thecapsule accommodated in the capsule housing hole.

In such inhalant medicators, the capsule is accommodated in the capsulehousing hole, and holes, communicating the internal space of the capsulewith each of the air passageways, are pricked or punched by means of theboring tool. Under this condition, the patient draws his or her breathwhile talking the inhalant port in his or her mouth, and thus air isflown from the atmospheric side through the inflow air passageway intothe capsule. The air flow carries and discharges the medical powderstored in the capsule through the outflow air passageway into theinhalant port. In this manner, the medical powder flowing out of thecapsule can be inhaled though the inhalant port into the lungs of thepatient.

The conventional inhalant medicator described above, is constructed sothat a capsule is inserted into a capsule housing hole of a medicatorbody, and the medical powder stored in the capsule is inhaled bypricking or punching holes in the capsules by way of a boring tool. Forthe reasons set forth above, there is the necessity for pin insertionholes and the boring tool. This increases the number of component parts,and induces a complicated structure. Thus, there are some problems, suchas increased production costs and increased economical burden of apatient.

Also, in recent years, there are other problems, such as sanitaryproblems, and a throwaway type of medicator is desirable. In particular,in a case of a dose of medicine to be taken only once, a medicator isnot used continuously. In this case, a new medicator is used only oncefor each medication. A so-called throwaway type of medicator exists.Therefore, people can think about the use of the conventional medicatoras a throwaway type. However, for the reasons set out above, thismedicator is not suitable to use as a throwaway type.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

It is, therefore, in view of the previously-described disadvantages ofthe prior art, an object of the present invention to provide an inhalantmedicator which is capable of reducing production costs by reducing thenumber of component parts and by simplifying its structure.

In order to accomplish the aforementioned and other objects, accordingto the invention, an inhalant medicator comprises a medicator bodyformed with a cylindrical fit hole opening at one axial end and formedat the other axial end with an inhalant port, an inflow air passagewayformed in the medicator body for supplying air into the cylindrical fithole, an outflow air passageway formed in the medicator body fordischarging air from the cylindrical fit hole into the inhalant port,and a medical powder storage cylindrical member having a cylindricalportion defining therein a medical powder storage hole whose internalspace stores a medical powder and capable of opening and closing each ofthe inflow air passageway and the outflow air passageway with respect tothe medical powder storage hole by external operation.

In the inhalant medicator as constructed above, under a condition wherethe inflow air passageway and the outflow air passageway are closed withrespect to the medical powder storage hole by means of the medicalpowder storage cylindrical member, it is possible to prevent the medicalpowder stored in the medical powder storage hole from flowing to theoutside via the air passageways. On the other hand, when the medicalpowder has to be inhaled, the inflow air passageway and the outflow airpassageway are communicated with the medical powder storage hole byoperating the medical powder storage cylindrical member. Under theseconditions, the patient draws his or her breath while taking theinhalant port in his or her mouse, atmosphere flown into the inflow airpassageway flows into the medical powder storage hole, taking the formof air flow. As a result of this, the medical powder in the medicalpowder storage hole can be atomized. Thus, in a blended condition of themedical powder with air flow, the mixture of the incoming air andmedical powder passes through the outflow air passageway and then flowstowards within the inhalant port, and then the mixture is inhaledthrough the inhalant port into lungs of the patient.

The inhalant medicator of the invention is constructed by two componentparts, namely the medicator body and the medical powder storagecylindrical member, and also it is possible to open and close each ofthe air passageways with respect to the medical powder storage hole bymeans of the medical powder storage cylindrical member, thus ensuring asimple structure of the medicator. This reduces production costs.Additionally, even when the medical powder storage hole is filled withgranular or powdered medicines in advance, it is possible to prevent themedical powder stored in the medical powder storage hole from flowing tothe outside.

According to the invention, at least one medical powder diffusionchamber is formed in the medicator body and located between thecylindrical fit hole and the inhalant port for diffusing the medicalpowder flowing out of the outflow air passageway.

In the inhalant medicator as constructed above, when the patient drawshis or her breath while taking the inhalant port in his or her mouth,the medical powder flowing from the medical powder storage hole via theoutflow air passageway can be further diffused through the medicalpowder diffusion chamber, and thus the medical powder can flow into theinhalant port in a finely atomized fashion.

According to the invention the air passageway communicating with themedical powder diffusion chamber is formed to open to the medical powderdiffusion chamber at an eccentric position with respect to an axis ofthe medical powder diffusion chamber so that the air passageway extendstangentially with respect to a lateral cross-section of the medicalpowder diffusion chamber.

In the inhalant medicator as constructed above, when air flow passesthrough the inflow air passageway and then flows into the medical powderdiffusion chamber, the inflow air passageway eccentrically arranged inthe tangential direction of the medical powder diffusion chamberproduces whirling flow within the medical powder diffusion chamber.Thus, even when granulated medicines; having a strong condensationproperty or a bad dispersion, are adhered or stuck to each other, it ispossible to atomize the granulated medicines by virtue of the whirlingflow.

According to the invention the medical powder storage cylindrical memberis constructed by a cylindrical portion rotatably fitted into the innerperipheral wall of the cylindrical fit hole and a knob portion providedat the cylindrical portion and operated rotatably with respect to themedicator body, and inflow and outflow outlet ports through which theinflow and outflow air passageways are opened or closed by way of rotaryoperation of the knob portion.

In the inhalant medicator as constructed above, the inflow and outflowair passageways can be respectively opened or closed by means of theinflow outlet port and the outflow outlet port by rotating the medicalpowder storage cylindrical member relative to the medicator body whilegrasping the knob portion.

According to the invention the medical powder storage cylindrical memberis constructed by a cylindrical portion axially slidably fitted into theinner peripheral wall of the cylindrical fit hole, a knob portionprovided at the cylindrical portion and capable of taking out or puttingin with respect to the medicator body, and inflow and outflow outletports through which the inflow and outflow air passageways are opened orclosed by way of taking-out or putting-in operation of the knob portion.

In the inhalant medicator as constructed above, the inflow and outflowair passageways can be respectively opened or closed through the inflowoutlet port and the outflowoutlet port by taking out or putting in themedical powder storage cylindrical member relative to the medicatorbody, while grasping the knob portion.

According to the invention a stopper means is provided between themedicator body and the medical powder storage cylindrical member forpositioning the medical powder storage cylindrical member at a positionwhere the inflow outlet port is communicated with the inflow airpassageway and the outflow outlet port is communicated with the outflowair passageway when operating the medical powder storage cylindricalmember.

In the inhalant medicator as constructed above, when operating themedical powder storage cylindrical member, the stopper means canposition the medical powder storage cylindrical member at the positionwhere the inflow outlet port and the inflow air passageway arecommunicated with each other and the outflow outlet port and the outflowair passageway are communicated with each other. Thus, it is possible toeasily and certainly open or close the inflow and outflow airpassageways.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view illustrating a firstembodiment of an inhalant medicator made according to the invention.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged lateral cross-sectional view illustrating amedicator body, a cylindrical portion, an inflow air passageway (anoutflow air passageway), and others as viewed from the arrow indicatedby II—II shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged lateral cross-sectional view illustrating amedicator body, an outflow air passageway, and others as viewed from thearrow indicated by III—III shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view illustrating the appearance of amedical powder storage cylindrical member.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view illustrating an essential part ofa stopper mechanism provided at the medicator body and the knob portionof the medical powder storage cylindrical member.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged lateral cross-sectional view illustrating a stateof the air passageway formed in the medicator body and the outlet portformed in the cylindrical portion of the medical powder storagecylindrical member, spaced to each other in the circumferentialdirection, as viewed from the same position as FIG. 2.

FIG. 7 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view illustrating the inhalantmedicator under a particular condition in which medical powders areinhaled, as viewed from the same position as FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view illustrating a secondembodiment of an inhalant medicator made according to the invention.

FIG. 9 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view illustrating a thirdembodiment of an inhalant medicator made according to the invention.

FIG. 10 is an enlarged lateral cross-sectional view illustrating themedicator body, a first outflow air passageway and others, as viewedfrom the arrow indicated by X—X shown in FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is an enlarged lateral cross-sectional view illustrating themedicator body, a second outflow air passageway and others, as viewedfrom the arrow indicated by XI—XI shown in FIG. 9.

FIG. 12 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view illustrating the inhalantmedicator under a particular condition in which a medical powder isinhaled, as viewed from the same position as FIG. 9.

FIG. 13 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view illustrating a fourthembodiment of an inhalant medicator made according to the invention.

FIG. 14 is an enlarged cross-sectional view illustrating an essentialpart of the inhalant medicator in an engaged state between a C-shapedgroove of the cylindrical fit hole and an engaged protruded portion ofthe medical powder storage cylindrical member, as viewed from the arrowindicated by XIV—XIV shown in FIG. 9.

FIG. 15 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view illustrating the inhalantmedicator in an inhalation state of medical powder with the medicalpowder storage cylindrical member extracted from the meditator body, asviewed from the same position as FIG. 13.

FIG. 16 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view illustrating an inhalantmedicator corresponding to a first modification of the invention.

FIG. 17 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view illustrating only amedical powder storage cylindrical member corresponding to a secondmodification of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The embodiments of the inhalant medicator of the present invention willbe hereinbelow described in detail in reference to the drawings attachedhereto.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 through 7, there is shown the first embodimentof the invention. Reference sign 1 denotes a cylindrical medicator bodyconstructing an essential part of the inhalant medicator. The medicatorbody 1 is formed with a cylindrical fit hole 2 as described later, aninhalant port 3, an inflow air passageway 5, an outflow air passageway6, and others.

A portion denoted by reference sign 2 is the cylindrical fit hole formedin the medicator body 1 at one axial end. The cylindrical fit hole 2 hasan axially extending bore opening at the one axial end face 1A andhaving a circular shape in cross section and having a bottom. The bottomportion 2A of the cylindrical fit hole is formed as a spherical surface.Also, the bottom portion 2A of the cylindrical fit hole 2 is formed withan annular recessed groove 2B. The annular recessed groove 2B isconfigured so that an annular protruded portion 9A formed at the tip endportion of a cylindrical portion 9 of a medical powder storagecylindrical member 8, which will be described later.

A portion denoted by reference sign 3 is the inhalant port formed at theother axial end of the medicator body 1. The inhalant port 3 is formedand configured in such a manner as to gradually diametrically enlargedin the other axial direction. Additionally, the inner part of theinhalant port 3 is formed with a medical powder diffusion chamber 4,which will be described later.

A portion denoted by reference sign 4 is the medical powder diffusionchamber located between the cylindrical fit hole 2 and the inhalant port3 and formed in the medicator body 1. The medical powder diffusionchamber is formed as a cylindrical space axially extending toward theinhalant port 3, so that whirling flow is produced by way of air flow ofair flowing through the inflow air passageway which will be describedlater.

Portions denoted by reference signs 5, 5 are two inflow air passagewaysformed in one axial end of the medicator body 1. As shown in FIGS. 1 and2, each of the inflow air passageways 5 is constructed byaxially-extending axial passages 5A, 5A located on the outer peripheryof the cylindrical fit hole 2 and opening to the atmosphere at the oneaxial end face 1A, and radial passages 5B, 5B communicating therespective axial passages 5A and extending in the radial direction ofthe medicator body 1 and opening to the cylindrical fit bore 2.

Portions denoted by reference signs 6, 6 are two outflow air passagewaysformed in a substantially middle portion of the medicator body 1 (asviewed from the axial direction of the medicator body). Each of theoutflow air passageways 6 is constructed by radial air passageways 6A,6A extending in the radial direction of the medicator body 1 and openingto the cylindrical fit hole 2, and axial passages 6B, 6B communicatingthe respective tip end portions of the radial passages 6A and extendingin two opposite axial directions, and diffusion chamber inflow passages6C, 6C formed as radial passages extending radially from the respectivetip end portions of the axial passages 6B and opening to the diffusionchamber 4.

The diffusion chamber inflow passage 6C of the inflow air passageway 6,opening to the medical powder diffusion chamber 4, is formed so that itstip end portion opens at an eccentric position with respect to the axisof the medical powder diffusion chamber 4 so that the diffusion chamberinflow passage 6C extends tangentially with respect to lateral crosssection of the medical powder diffusion chamber 4. As a result of this,air flow flowing through the diffusion chamber inflow passage 6C intothe medical powder diffusion chamber 4 becomes changed or converted intowhirling flow, thus finely atomizing a lump of granular or powderedmedicines 16 adhered to each other due to aggregation, condensation orthe like.

Portions denoted by reference signs 7, 7 are two auxiliary airpassageways located on the outer periphery of the cylindrical fit hole 2and formed in the medicator body 1. As shown in FIG. 3, each of theauxiliary air passageways 7 is provided at a position rotated 90 degreeswith respect to the respective air passageways 5, 6. The auxiliary airpassageway 7 is constructed by axial passages 7A, 7A located on theouter periphery of the cylindrical fit hole 2 and extending in the axialdirection and opening to the atmosphere at the one axial end face 1A,and diffusion chamber inflow passages 7B, 7B formed as radial passagescommunicating the respective axial passages 7A and extending in theradial direction of the medicator body 1 and opening to the medicalpowder diffusion chamber 4. Each of the auxiliary air passageways 7functions to avoid difficulty in breathing action by increasing aquantity of air flowing through the medicator during breathing action,and to strengthen the whirling flow within the medical powder diffusionchamber 4.

Hereupon, in the same manner as the diffusion chamber inflow passage 6Cof the outflow air passageway 6 described previously, the diffusionchamber inflow passage 7B of the auxiliary air passageway 7 opening tothe medical powder diffusion chamber 4 is formed so that its tip endportion opens at an eccentric position with respect to the axis of themedical powder diffusion chamber 4 so that the diffusion chamber inflowpassage 6C extends tangentially with respect to a lateral cross sectionof the medical powder diffusion chamber 4. thus producing the whirlingflow within the medical powder diffusion chamber 4 by way of air flowflowing into the medical powder diffusion chamber 4. The whirling flowcan finely atomize a lump of granular or powdered medicines 16 adheredto each other due to aggregation, condensation or the like.

Next, a portion denoted by reference sign 8 is a medical powder storagecylindrical member rotatably installed at the opening end of thecylindrical fit hole 2. As shown in FIG. 4, the medical powder storagecylindrical member 8 is mainly constructed by a cylindrical portion 9inserted and fitted into the cylindrical fit hole 2, and a disc-shapedknob portion 10 provided at the base portion of the cylindrical portion9. The interior of the cylindrical portion 9 is formed as a medicalpowder storage hole 11 having a bottom and opening towards its tip end.Hereupon, the above medical powder storage hole 11 defines a medicalpowder storage chamber 12 capable of storing the medical powder 16between the storage hole and the bottom portion 2A of the cylindricalfit hole 2 byway of fit of the cylindrical portion 9 into thecylindrical fit hole 2 of the medicator body 1.

Additionally, the previously-noted cylindrical portion 9 is formed atits tip end portion with an annular protruded portion 9A which is fittedinto the annular recessed groove 2B of the cylindrical fit hole 2.Fitted engagement between the annular recessed groove 2B and the annularprotruded portion 9A prevents the medical powder storage cylindricalmember 8 from falling out. Furthermore, the cylindrical portion 9 isformed at a position corresponding to the radial passage 5B of theinflow air passageway 5 in the axial direction with an inflow outletport 9B so that the inflow outlet port extends or penetrates in theradial direction, and is also formed at a position corresponding to theradial passage 6A of the outflow air passageway 6 in the axial directionwith an outflow outlet port 9C so that the outflow outlet port extendsor penetrates in the radial direction.

On the other hand, the knob portion 10 is abutted-engagement with theone axial end face 1A of the medicator body 1 in a powder-tight fashion.As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the knob portion is formed on its outerperiphery with a knurling portion 10A serving as a non-slip portionduring rotary motion of the medical powder storage cylindrical member 8.Also, the knob portion 10 is formed with atmospheric outlet portions10B, 10B, . . . at positions corresponding to the outlet ports 9B and 9Cof the cylindrical portion 9 in the circumferential direction and alsocorresponding to the axial passage 5A of the inflow air passageway 5 andthe axial passage 7A of the auxiliary air passageway 7 in the radialdirection, so that the atmospheric outlet portions extend or penetratein the axial direction.

The medical powder storage cylindrical member 8 closes the medicalpowder storage chamber 12 by rotating the cylindrical portion 9 relativeto the medicator body 1 while grasping the knob portion 10 and thereforemoving the air passageways 5 and 6 and the outlet ports 9B and 9C in thecircumferential direction, with the result that the medical powderstorage chamber 12 is fully closed. On the other hand, by establishingfluid communication between the air passageway 5 and the outlet port 9Band fluid communication between the air passageway 6 and the outlet port9C, the air passageways 5 and 6 are opened to the medical powder storagechamber, with the result that inhalation action of the medical powderscan be allowed.

At this time, the atmospheric outlet ports 10B formed in the knobportion 10 act to open or close the air passageways 5 and 7. Therefore,under a condition where the air passageways 5 and 7 are closed by meansof the knob portion 10, it is possible to prevent dusts from flowingfrom the outside into the air passageways 5 and 7.

A portion denoted by 13 is a stopper mechanism serving as a stoppermeans provided between the medicator body 1 and the medical powderstorage cylindrical member 8. The stopper mechanism 13 is constructed bya positioning groove 14 formed in the outer periphery of the medicatorbody 1 and a protruded portion 15 located on the outer periphery of theknob portion 10 of the medical powder cylindrical member 8 and projectedtoward the positioning groove 14. Also, the positioning groove 14 isformed with a closed-position recessed portion 14A which is brought intoengagement with the protruded portion 15 at the closed position (seeFIG. 6) at which the inflow air passageway 5 and the inflow outlet port9B are offset to each other, the outflow air passageway 6 and theoutflow outlet port 9C are offset to each other, and the auxiliary airpassageway 7 and the atmospheric outlet port 10B are offset to eachother, and an open-position recessed portion 14B which is brought intoengagement with the protruded portion 15 at the open position (see FIG.2) where the air passageways 5, 6 and 7 are communicated with therespective outlet ports 9B, 9C, and 10B. As a result of this, thestopper mechanism 13 permits the air passageways 5, 6 and 7 to be easilyrapidly communicated with the respective outlet ports 9B, 9C and 10Bwith the rotary action of the medical powder storage cylindrical member8 relative to the medicator body 1.

Reference sign 16 denotes medical powder stored in the cylindrical fithole 2. The medical powder 16 is formed as powdered or granulatedmedicines. The medical powder 16 is charged into the medical powderstorage chamber 12 at a stage where the medical powder storagecylindrical member 8 is installed on the medicator body 1.

The inhalant medicator of the embodiment is constructed as previouslydiscussed. Hereinbelow described in detail are the operation of theinhalant medication through which the patient inhales the medicalpowder, and the flow of air and medical powder during inhalation.

First, rotary operation of the medical powder storage cylindrical member8 relative to the medicator body 1 is made, so as to establish fluidcommunication between the inflow air passageway 5 and the inflow outletport 9B, fluid communication between the outflow air passageway 6 andthe outflow outlet port 9C, and fluid communication between theauxiliary air passageway 7 and the atmospheric outlet port 10B, and thusto ensure the open position.

Next, under this condition, the patient draws his or her breath whiletaking the inhalant port 3 in his or her mouth. As a result of this, ascan be seen from the arrow shown in FIG. 7, air (atmosphere) passesthrough the atmospheric outlet port 10B of the knob portion 10, theinflow air passageway 5, and the inflow outlet port 9B of thecylindrical portion 9, and then flows into the medical powder storagechamber 12. At this time, air flow flowing into the medical powderstorage chamber 12 disperses and atomizes the medical powder 16 storedin the medical powder storage chamber 12.

However, there is a lump of medical powder 16 existing in the internalspace. The medical powder 16 passes through the outflow outlet port 9Cof the cylindrical portion 9 and the outflow air passageway 6, and thenflows into the medical powder diffusion chamber 4. A lump of medicalpowder 16 can be diffused within the medical powder diffusion chamber 4by way of whirling flow produced by the diffusion chamber inflowpassages 6C and 7B, thus certainly atomizing the medical powder.

In this manner, the medical powder 16, finely atomized within themedical powder diffusion chamber 4, is discharged into the inhalant port3. Thus, it is possible to prescribe the medical powder via the oralcavity and trachea of a patient into lungs of the patient by inhalingthe medical powder discharged via the inhalant port 3 by way ofbreathing action of the patient.

As discussed above, according to the embodiment, the inhalant medicatorcan be constructed by two component parts, namely the medicator body 1and the medical powder storage cylindrical member 8, thus reducing thenumber of component parts, and ensuring more simplified inhalatorstructure and reduced production costs, in comparison with theconventional inhalant medicator.

Furthermore, it is possible to open or close the inflow air passageway 5and the outflow air passageway 6 with respect to the medical powderstorage chamber 12 by means of the medical powder storage cylindricalmember 8. Thus, it is possible to tightly encapsulate the medical powder16 within the medical powder storage chamber 12, thus preventingundesirable loss of flow of medical powder 16.

As appreciated from the above, even when the inhalant medicator of theembodiment is thrown away after the inhalant medicator has been usedonly once, it is possible to reduce an economical burden of the patient.Additionally, even when the medical powder storage chamber 12 is filledwith medical powder 16 during assembling process, it is possible toprevent undesirable loss of flow of medical powders 16. Thus, theinhalant medicator of the embodiment can be used as a throwaway type.

On the one hand, the medical powder diffusion chamber 4 is providedbetween the cylindrical fit hole 2 and the inhalant port 3. Therefore,it is possible to certainly finely atomize the medical powder 16. Thisensures an enhanced inhalation efficiency of medical powder 16 and anenhanced reliability of the inhalant medicator. Additionally, it ispossible to produce whirling flow within the medical powder diffusionchamber 4, thus more finely atomizing medical powder 16.

Moreover, the stopper mechanism 13 is provided between the medicatorbody 1 and the medical powder storage cylindrical member 8, forpositioning the medical powder storage cylindrical member at either aclosed position for prevention of loss of flow of medical powder 16 andan open position for medication, with rotary operation of the medicalpowder storage cylindrical member 8. Therefore, a series of operationsfor medication can be easily certainly achieved. Everyone can easilyhandle the inhalant medicator of the embodiment.

Hereunder described in reference to FIG. 8 is the second embodiment ofthe invention. In the second embodiment, the auxiliary air passagewaysused in the first embodiment are eliminated, and in lieu thereof theinflow and outflow air passageways are increased. In the secondembodiment, the same reference signs used to designate elements in thefirst embodiment will be applied to the corresponding elements used inthe second embodiment, and detailed description of the same elementswill be omitted because the above description thereon seems to beself-explanatory.

A portion denoted by reference sign 21 is a medicator body of the secondembodiment. Portions denoted by reference signs 22, 22 . . . are inflowair passageways formed in the medicator body 21. In the same manner asthe inflow air passageway 5 of the first embodiment, each of the inflowair passageways 22 is constructed by an axial passage 22A and a radialpassage 22B. However, the inflow air passageway 22 of the secondembodiment is different from the inflow air passageway 5 of the firstembodiment, in that four passageways (only three passageways are shownin the drawing) spaced from each other in the circumferential directionare provided.

Portions denoted by reference signs 23, 23 . . . are outflow airpassageways formed in the medicator body 21. In the same manner as theoutflow air passageway 6 of the first embodiment, each of the outflowair passageways 23 is constructed by a radial passage 23A, an axialpassage 23B, and a diffusion chamber inflow passage 23C. However, theoutflow air passageway 23 of the second embodiment is different from theoutflow air passageway 6 of the first embodiment, in that fourpassageways (only three passageways are shown in the drawing) spacedfrom each other in the circumferential direction are provided.

The second embodiment as constructed above, can provide the same effectsand operation as the first embodiment. In particular, in the secondembodiment, the auxiliary air passageways 7 used in the first embodimentare eliminated, and in lieu thereof the four inflow air passageways 22are provided, thus ensuring increased air flow of air flowing into themedical powder storage chamber 12. The increased air flow caneffectively atomize the medical powder 16.

Hereinafter described in reference to FIGS. 9 and 12 is the thirdembodiment of the invention. The third embodiment is characterized inthat a second medical powder diffusion chamber is provided between thecylindrical fit hole and the medical powder diffusion chamber. In thethird embodiment, the same reference signs used to designate elements inthe first embodiment will be applied to the corresponding elements usedin the third embodiment, and detailed description of the same elementswill be omitted because the above description thereon seems to beself-explanatory.

A portion denoted by reference sign 31 is a medicator body of the thirdembodiment. Substantially in the same manner as the medicator body 1 ofthe first embodiment, the medicator body 31 is formed therein with acylindrical fit hole 32, an inhalant port 33, and others. However, themedicator body 31 of the third embodiment has a first medical powderdiffusion chamber 34 and a second medical powder diffusion chamber 35,both provided between the cylindrical fit hole 32 and the inhalant port33. The medicator body of the third embodiment is different from themedicator body 1 of the first embodiment, in that as a whole themedicator body of the third embodiment is formed as a longer body.

Portions denoted by reference signs 36, 36 . . . are inflow airpassageways of the third embodiment. In the same manner as the inflowair passageway 5 of the first embodiment, each of the inflow airpassageways 36 is constructed by an axial passage 36A and a radialpassage 36B.

Portions denoted by reference signs 37, 37 . . . are two first outflowair passageways. Each of the first outflow air passageways 37 isconstructed by radial passages 37A, 37A extending in the radialdirection and opening to the cylindrical fit hole 32, axial passages37B, 37B communicating the respective tip end portions of the radialpassages 37A and extending in the axial direction, and diffusion chamberinflow passages 37C, 37C formed as radial passages extending in theradial direction from the respective tip end portions of the axialpassages 37B and opening to the first medical powder diffusion chamber34.

Portions denoted by reference signs 38, 38 . . . are four second outflowair passageways of the third embodiment. Each of the second outflow airpassageways 38 is constructed by diffusion chamber outflow passages 38A,38A formed as radial passages extending in the radial direction andopening to the first medical powder diffusion chamber 34, axial passages38B, 38B communicating the respective tip end portions of the diffusionchamber outflow passages 38A and extending in the axial direction, anddiffusion chamber inflow passages 38C, 38C formed as radial passagesextending in the radial direction from the tip end portions of the axialpassages 38B and opening to the second medical powder diffusion chamber35.

Portions denoted by reference signs 39, 39 are two auxiliary airpassageways of the third embodiment. Each of the auxiliary airpassageways 39 is constructed by axial passages 39A, 39A, and diffusionchamber inflow passages 39B, 39B formed as radial passages communicatingthe respective axial passages 39A and extending in the radial directionand opening to the first medical powder diffusion chamber 34.

Hereupon, as shown in FIG. 10, the diffusion chamber inflow passage 37Cof the first inflow air passageway 37 opening to the first medicalpowder diffusion chamber 34 and the diffusion chamber inflow passage 39Bof the auxiliary air passageway 39 are configured so that their tip endportions open at an eccentric position with respect to the axis of thefirst medical powder diffusion chamber 34 so that the diffusion chamberinflow passage (37C, 39B) extends tangentially with respect to a lateralcross section of the first medical powder diffusion chamber 34.

As shown in FIG. 11, the diffusion chamber outflow passage 38A of thesecond outflow air passageway 38 opening to the first medical powderdiffusion chamber 34 is configured, so that its tip end portion opens atan eccentric position with respect to the axis of the first medicalpowder diffusion chamber 34 so that the diffusion chamber outflowpassage 38A extends in the tangential direction opposite to thediffusion chamber inflow passage 39B of the auxiliary air passageway 39,in order to facilitate the whirling flow produced within the firstmedical powder diffusion chamber 34 and passing through the diffusionchamber outflow passage 38A.

Furthermore, the diffusion chamber inflow passage 38C of the secondoutflow air passageway 38 opening to the second medical powder diffusionchamber 35 opens at an eccentric position with respect to the axis ofthe second medical powder diffusion chamber 35 so that the diffusionchamber inflow passage 38C extends in the same tangential direction asthe diffusion chamber inflow passage 37C of the first outflow airpassageway 37 and the diffusion chamber inflow passage 39B of theauxiliary air passageway 39.

The third embodiment as constructed above, can provide the same effectsand operation as the first embodiment. In particular, in the thirdembodiment, as a granular medicine diffusing chamber, two medical powderdiffusion chambers, namely the first and second medical powder diffusionchambers 34 and 35 are provided. Thus, even when the patient draws hisor her breath while taking the inhalant port 33 in his or her mouth,under a particular condition where the medical powder 16 includesgranulated medicines having a strong condensation property and thegranulated medicines are adhered to each other to form a lump ofgranulated medicines, as can be seen from FIG. 12, it is possible tobreak and atomize the lump of medical powder by means of the two medicalpowder diffusion chambers 34 and 35. As a consequence, it is possible toinhale a specified amount of medical powder into lungs of the patient.

Hereinafter described in reference to FIGS. 13 and 15 is the fourthembodiment of the invention. The fourth embodiment is characterized inthat a medical powder storage cylindrical member is constructed by acylindrical portion axially slidably fitted into the inner peripheralsurface of the cylindrical fit hole, a knob portion provided at thecylindrical portion and capable of taking out or putting in with respectto the medicator body, and inflow and outflow outlet ports through whichthe inflow and outflow air passageways are opened or closed by way oftaking-out or putting-in operation of the knob portion. In the fourthembodiment, the same reference signs used to designate elements in thefirst embodiment will be applied to the corresponding elements used inthe fourth embodiment, and detailed description of the same elementswill be omitted because the above description thereon seems to beself-explanatory.

A portion denoted by reference sign 41 is a medicator body of the fourthembodiment. A portion denoted by reference sign 42 is a cylindrical fithole formed in the medicator body 41. The cylindrical fit hole 42 has anaxially extending bore opening at one axial end 41A and having acircular shape in cross section and having a bottom. The bottom portion42A of the cylindrical fit hole is formed as a spherical surface. Also,the bottom portion 42A of the cylindrical fit hole 42 is formed with aC-shaped groove 42B. As shown in FIG. 14, the C-shaped groove 42B isconfigured in such a manner as to guide movably an engaged protrudedportion 44A of a cylindrical portion 44 described later.

A portion denoted by reference sign 43 is a medical powder storagecylindrical member of the fourth embodiment, installed on thecylindrical fit hole 42 so that the medical powder storage cylindricalmember is capable of taking out or putting in with respect to theopening end of the cylindrical fit hole 42. Substantially in the samemanner as the medical powder storage cylindrical member 8 of the firstembodiment, the medical powder storage cylindrical member 43 is mainlyconstructed by a cylindrical portion 44 inserted and fitted into thecylindrical fit hole 42, and a disc-shaped knob portion 45 provided atthe base portion of the cylindrical portion 44. The interior of thecylindrical portion 44 is formed as a medical powder storage hole 46. Amedical powder storage chamber 47 is defined between the medical powderstorage hole 46 and the bottom portion 42A of the cylindrical fit hole42.

However, the medical powder storage cylindrical member 43 of the fourthembodiment is different from the medical powder storage cylindricalmember 43 of the first embodiment, in that the engaged protruded portion4A, fitted to the C-shaped groove 42B of the cylindrical fit hole 42, isprovided at the tip end portion of the cylindrical portion 44, inflowoutlet port 44B and outflow outlet port 44C are formed in thecylindrical portion 44 at positions at which the inflow and outflowoutlet ports respectively communicate the radial passage 5B of theinflow air passageway 5 and the radial passage 6A of the outflow airpassageway 6 under a condition where the cylindrical portion 44 isextracted, and the atmospheric outlet ports used in the first embodimentare removed from the knob portion 45.

Hereupon, the C-shaped groove 42B formed in the cylindrical fit hole 42of the medicator body 41 and the engaged protruded portion 44A formed inthe cylindrical portion 44 of the medical powder storage cylindricalmember 43 cooperate to each other to construct a stopper mechanism 48serving as a stopper means for positioning the medical powder storagecylindrical member 43 during taking-out/putting-in operation of themedical powder storage cylindrical member 43 with respect to themedicator body 41.

The inhalant medicator of the fourth embodiment is constructed aspreviously discussed. Hereinbelow described in detail is the operationof the inhalant medication through which the patient inhales the medicalpowder.

In a state of the medicator prior to inhalant medication, as shown inFIG. 13, the air passageways 5 and 6 are closed by means of thecylindrical portion 44, while the atmospheric side of each of the airpassageways 5 and 7 is closed by means of the knob portion 45.

Under this condition, when the inhalant medication has to be made, themedical powder storage cylindrical member 43 is rotated relative to themedicator body 41 in the direction indicated by the arrow A shown inFIGS. 13 and 14. Next, the cylindrical portion 44 of the medical powderstorage cylindrical member 43 is extracted in the direction indicated bythe arrow B. Thereafter, with rotary motion of the medical powderstorage cylindrical member 43, returning the medical powder storagecylindrical member 43 to the direction indicated by the arrow C, asshown in. FIG. 15, it is possible to position in such a manner as toestablish fluid communication between the air passageway 5 and theinflow outlet port 44B and fluid communication between the airpassageway 6 and the outflow outlet port 44C. Under this condition, whenthe patient draws his or her breath while taking the inhalant port 3 inhis or her mouth, the medical powder 16 can be inhaled.

The fourth embodiment as constructed above, can provide the same effectsand operation as the first embodiment.

As described above, in the third embodiment, the auxiliary airpassageways 39, 39 through which the first medical powder diffusionchamber is communicated with the atmospheric side, is formed in themedicator body 31. However, the present invention is not limited to theparticular embodiments shown and described herein. For instance, as canbe seen from the first modification shown in FIG. 16, another auxiliaryair passageways 39, 39 (only one passageway is shown in the drawing)intercommunicating the atmospheric side and the second medical powderdiffusion chamber 35, may be formed in the medicator body 31,independently of the auxiliary air passageways 39, 39 intercommunicatingthe atmospheric side and the first medical powder diffusion chamber 34.

Additionally, in the first embodiment, the inflow air passageway 5 isconstructed by an axial passage 5A and the radial passage 5B. In lieuthereof, as indicated by the two-dotted line shown in FIG. 1, an inflowair passageway 5′ may be formed so that the inflow air passagewayextends in the radial direction and opens to a curved surface of themedicator body 1. In the same manner, such a construction can be appliedto the other embodiments.

Additionally, in the first, second, and fourth embodiments one medicalpowder diffusion chamber 4 is provided, whereas in the second embodimentand the modification two medical powder diffusion chambers 34, 35 areprovided. However, the invention is not limited to the particularembodiments shown and described herein. Alternatively, three or moremedical powder diffusion chambers may be provided. It is preferable thatthe number of the medical powder diffusion chambers is determined or setdepending on characteristics or properties of medical powder (such as acondensation property).

On the other hand, as discussed above, in the first embodiment, themedical powder 16 is encapsulated within the cylindrical fit hole 2 at atime when the medicator body 1 and the medical powder storagecylindrical member 8 are assembled to each other. In lieu thereof, themedical powder 16 may be charged into the cylindrical fit hole 2 justbefore the operation of inhalant medication. In the same manner, such aconstruction can be applied to the other embodiments.

Additionally, in each of the embodiments, the opening and closing of theinflow air passageways 5, 22, 36 with respect to the atmospheric sideare made by the respective knob portions 10, 45 of the medical powderstorage cylindrical members 8, 43. The invention is not limited to theparticular embodiments shown and described herein. For instance, theknob portion is configured to have the same diameter dimension as thecylindrical portion. That is, it is unnecessary to always close theatmospheric outlet port of the inflow air passageway.

Additionally, in each of the embodiments, the inflow air passageways 5,22, 36 and the outflow air passageways 6, 23, 37 are formed so thatthese passageways extend in the radial direction towards the centralportion of the cylindrical fit holes 2, 32, 42. In lieu thereof, theseair passageways may be constructed so that the air passageways open tothe respective cylindrical fit holes at eccentric positions in which theair passageways extend in the respective tangential directions of thecylindrical fit holes.

Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the medical powder storage chamber12 is defined between the bottom portion 2A of the cylindrical fit hole2 and the medical powder storage hole 11 by fitting the cylindricalportion 9 of the medical powder storage member 8 into the cylindricalfit hole 2 of the medicator body 1. The invention is not limited to theparticular embodiments shown and described herein. For instance, as canbe seen from the second modification shown in FIG. 17, a medical powderstorage hole 54 may be provided by defining the medical powder storagechamber by way of only a cylindrical portion 52 of a medical powderstorage cylindrical member 51. In this case, it is preferable that thebottom face of the cylindrical fit hole of the medicator body isdesigned to be flat. In the same manner, such a construction can beapplied to the other embodiments.

As explained above, according to the invention as claimed in claim 1,under a condition where the inflow air passageway and the outflow airpassageway are closed with respect to the medical powder storage hole bymeans of the medical powder storage cylindrical member, it is possibleto prevent the medical powder stored in the medical powder storage holefrom flowing to the outside via the air passageways. Also, when themedical powder has to be inhaled, the inflow air passageway and theoutflow air passageway are opened to the medical powder storage hole byoperating the medical powder storage cylindrical member. Under theseconditions, the patient draws his or her breath while taking theinhalant port in his or her mouth, atmosphere flown into the inflow airpassageway flows into the cylindrical fit hole, taking the form of airflow. As a result of this, the medical powder in the cylindrical fithole can be atomized. Thus, in a blended condition of the medical powderwith air flow, the mixture of the incoming air and medical powder passesthrough the outflow air passageway and then flows towards within theinhalant port, and thus the patient can inhale the medical powderthrough the inhalant port into lungs of the patient.

Additionally, the inhalant medicator of the invention is constructed bytwo component parts, namely the medicator body and the medical powderstorage cylindrical member, and also it is possible to open and closeeach of the air passageways with respect to the medical powder storagehole by means of the medical powder storage cylindrical member, therebyreducing production costs, and consequently ensuring reduced economicalburden of the patient. In addition, even when the medical powder storagehole is filled with medical powder in advance, it is possible to preventthe medical powder stored in the medical powder storage hole fromflowing to the outside. Thus, the inhalant medicator of the inventioncan be suitably used as a throwaway type.

According to the invention as claimed in claim 2, the patient can inhalea specified amount of medical powder into lungs. This enhances medicalbenefits of the powdered or granular medicines, and also enhances thereliability of the inhalant medicator.

According to the invention as claimed in claim 3, it is possible toproduce or create whirling flow within the medical powder diffusionchamber by virtue of air flow passing through the air passageway andthen flowing into the medical powder diffusion chamber. Even when themedical powder includes granulated medicines having a strongcondensation property, it is possible to effectively diffuse and atomizethe medical powder by way of the whirling flow, thus more remarkablyenhancing an inhalation efficiency of the medical powder.

According to the invention as claimed in claims 4, 5, or 6 the inflowand outflow air passageways can be respectively opened or closed bymeans of the inflow outlet port and the outflow outlet port by rotatingthe medical powder storage cylindrical member relative to the medicatorbody while grasping the knob portion. Thus, under a condition where theinflow air passageway and the outflow air passageway are respectivelyclosed by the inflow outlet port and the outflow outlet port, it ispossible to prevent the medical powder to flow out.

According to the invention as claimed in claims 7, 8, or 9 the inflowand outflow air passageways can be respectively opened or closed throughthe inflow outlet port and the outflow outlet port by taking out orputting in the medical powder storage cylindrical member relative to themedicator body, while grasping the knob portion. Thus, under a conditionwhere the inflow air passageway and the outflow air passageway arerespectively closed by the inflow outlet port and the outflow outletport, it is possible to prevent the medical powder to flow out.

According to the invention as claimed in claim 10 or 11 when operatingthe medical powder storage cylindrical member, the stopper means canposition the medical powder storage cylindrical member at the positionwhere the inflow outlet port and the inflow air passageway arecommunicated with each other and the outflow outlet port and the outflowair passageway are communicated with each other. Thus, it is possible toeasily and certainly open or close the inflow and outflow airpassageways, thus ensuring enhanced operability or easy manipulation.

What is claimed is:
 1. An inhalant medicator comprising: a medicatorbody formed with a cylindrical fit hole opening at one axial end andformed at the other axial end with an inhalant port; an inflow airpassageway formed in the medicator body for supplying air into thecylindrical fit hole; an outflow air passageway formed in the medicatorbody for discharging air from the cylindrical fit hole into the inhalantport; and a medical powder storage cylindrical member fit to thecylindrical fit hole of the medicator body and having a cylindricalportion defining therein a medical powder storage hole whose internalspace stores a medical powder, wherein a portion of the inflow airpassageway and a portion of the outflow air passageway are formed in themedical powder storage cylindrical member, and the portions of theinflow air passageway and the outflow air passageway act to establishand block fluid communication between the inflow and outflow airpassageways formed in the medicator body and the medical powder storagehole by movement of the medical powder storage cylindrical memberrelative to the medicator body.
 2. The inhalant medicator as claimed inclaim 1, wherein at least one medical powder diffusion chamber is formedin the medicator body and located between the cylindrical fit hole andthe inhalant port for diffusing the medical powder flowing out of theoutflow air passageway.
 3. The inhalant medicator as claimed in claim 2,wherein an air passageway portion of the outflow air passagewaycommunicating with the medical powder diffusion chamber is formed toopen to the medical powder diffusion chamber at an eccentric positionwith respect to an axis of the medical powder diffusion chamber so thatthe air passageway extends tangentially with respect to a cross sectionof the medical powder diffusion chamber.
 4. The inhalant medicator asclaimed in claim 1, wherein the medical powder storage cylindricalmember comprises a cylindrical portion rotatably fitted into an innerperipheral wall of the cylindrical fit hole and a knob portion providedat the cylindrical portion and operated rotatably with respect to themedicator body, and inflow and outflow outlet ports through which theinflow and outflow air passageways are opened or closed by way of rotaryoperation of the knob portion.
 5. The inhalant medicator as claimed inclaim 2, wherein the medical powder storage cylindrical member comprisesa cylindrical portion rotatably fitted into an inner peripheral wall ofthe cylindrical fit hole and a knob portion provided at the cylindricalportion and operated rotatably with respect to the medicator body, andinflow and outflow outlet ports through which the inflow and outflow airpassageways are opened or closed by way of rotary operation of the knobportion.
 6. The inhalant medicator as claimed in claim 3, wherein themedical powder storage cylindrical member comprises a cylindricalportion rotatably fitted into an inner peripheral wall of thecylindrical fit hole and a knob portion provided at the cylindricalportion and operated rotatably with respect to the medicator body, andinflow and outflow outlet ports through which the inflow and outflow airpassageways are opened or closed by way of rotary operation of the knobportion.
 7. The inhalant medicator as claimed in claim 1, wherein themedical powder storage cylindrical member comprises a cylindricalportion axially slidably fitted into an inner peripheral wall of thecylindrical fit hole, a knob portion provided at the cylindrical portionand capable of taking our or putting in with respect to the medicatorbody, and inflow and outflow outlet ports through which the inflow andoutflow air passageways are opened or closed by way of taking-out orputting-in operation of the knob portion.
 8. The inhalant medicator asclaimed in claim 2, wherein the medical powder storage cylindricalmember comprises a cylindrical portion axially slidably fitted into aninner peripheral wall of the cylindrical fit hole, a knob portionprovided at the cylindrical portion and capable of taking our or puttingin with respect to the medicator body, and inflow and outflow outletports through which the inflow and outflow air passageways are opened orclosed by way of taking-out or putting-in operation of the knob portion.9. The inhalant medicator as claimed in claim 3, wherein the medicalpowder storage cylindrical member comprises a cylindrical portionaxially slidably fitted into an inner peripheral wall of the cylindricalfit hole, a knob portion provided at the cylindrical portion and capableof taking our or putting in with respect to the medicator body, andinflow and outflow outlet ports through which the inflow and outflow airpassageways are opened or closed by way of taking-out or putting-inoperation of the knob portion.
 10. The inhalant medicator as claimed inclaim 4, wherein a stopper means is provided between the medicator bodyand the medical powder storage cylindrical member for positioning themedical powder storage cylindrical member at a position where the inflowoutlet port is communicated with the inflow air passageway and theoutflow outlet port is communicated with the outflow air passageway whenoperating the medical powder storage cylindrical member.
 11. Theinhalant medicator as claimed in claim 7, wherein a stopper means isprovided between the medicator body and the medical powder storagecylindrical member for positioning the medical powder storagecylindrical member at a position where the inflow outlet port iscommunicated with the inflow air passageway and the outflow outlet portis communicated with the outflow air passageway when operating themedical powder storage cylindrical member.